Splash Guard for Snorkel Tube

ABSTRACT

A splash guard comprises a housing comprising a first aperture, a pivotal member comprising a pivot aim pivotally connected with the housing and a loading part connected with the pivot arm, a space surrounded by the pivot arm, the loading part, and the housing, a float member pivotally connected with the loading part and positioned in the space, and a closure member mounted on the first mounting portion and selectively covering the first aperture. The loading part has a side surface facing the housing and a pushing portion positioned on the side surface. The float member selectively abuts the pushing portion. The direction in which the float member pivots about the pivotal member and the direction in which the pivotal member pivots about the housing are reverse to each other. The splash guard is convenient in use and storage and provides safety and comfort to the snorkeler.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) from Taiwan Patent Application No. 105202092 filed on Feb. 5, 2016, which is hereby specifically incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of snorkel equipment; specifically to a splash guard for preventing water from entering the snorkel tube.

2. Description of the Prior Art(s)

Snorkel tubes are common tools allowing snorkelers to breathe under the water surface. A snorkel tube has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is adapted to extend beyond the water surface for communication while the second opening is adapted to the mouth and nose of a snorkeler for breathing while the snorkeler is facing down in the water. However, the wave action or the disruption of the water surface by the action of the snorkelers make water enter the snorkel tubes via the first opening and interfere with the breathing of the snorkeler. Furthermore, water may be inhaled into the mouth and lungs of the snorkeler and the snorkeler is choked. In view of this, a splash guard is mounted on the top opening for preventing water from entering the snorkel tube.

With reference to FIG. 13, a conventional splash guard comprises a housing 90, a pivotal member 91, a float member 92, and a closure member 93. The housing 90 is a hollow tube. The housing 90 comprises a first aperture 901 and a second aperture (not shown) opposite the first aperture 901. The pivotal member 91 is positioned between the first opening and the first aperture 901. The pivotal member 91 comprises two pivotal portions 911 and a loading portion 912. Each of the pivotal portions 911 has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of each of the pivotal portions 911 is pivotally connected with the housing 90. The second sides of the pivotal portions 911 are connected via the loading portion 912. A hook 921 is formed on the float member 92. The float member 92 is hung on the loading portion 912 by the hook 921. The closure member 93 is mounted on the loading portion 912 and is positioned at an upper side of the float member 92. The conventional splash guard is mounted on the snorkel tube 94 and the first aperture 901 is connected with the first opening of the snorkel tube. With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, under a first operation condition that the splash guard is submerged straight down the water surface W with the first aperture 901 positioned above the second aperture, the float member 92 is driven by a buoyant force and moves toward the water surface W. The pivotal member 91 pivots clockwise about the housing 90; meanwhile, the closure member 93 is driven by the loading portion 912 to move upwardly and seal the first aperture 901.

However, the conventional splash guard has disadvantages as follows:

First, with reference to FIG. 13, the float member 92, the closure member 93, and the pivotal member 91 are positioned close to the first aperture 901. If the closure member 93 and the float member 92 are light-weighted, the closure member 93 will close the first aperture 901 inadvertently by the inhalation or the head shaking of the snorkeler and interrupt normal breathing, causing the risk of choking or drowning. Accordingly, to prevent the inadvertent closing-up action of the closure member 93, a heavy and bulky float member 92 is employed in the conventional splash guard, but incurs inconvenience in use and storage.

Second, with reference to FIG. 15, under a second operation condition that the splash guard is submerged obliquely below the water surface W with the first aperture 901 positioned below the second aperture, the moving direction toward the water surface W under the driving of a buoyant force for the float member 92 is also the moving direction toward the housing 90 for the float member 92. In this way, the pivotal member 91 is not allowed to pivot clockwise about the housing 90 and to force the closure member 93 to seal the first aperture 901. Accordingly, water is prone to enter the snorkel tube 94 via the first aperture 901 and choke the snorkeler. Hence, the conventional splash guard may put the snorkeler in danger due to the limitation on the operation angle of the conventional the conventional splash guard.

To overcome the shortcomings, a splash guard for a snorkel tube to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems is provided.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a splash guard to overcome the technical limitation in usage, storage, and snorkeling safety.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the splash guard comprises a housing, a pivotal member, a space, a float member, and a closure member. The housing comprises a first aperture and a second aperture opposite the first aperture. The pivotal member is pivotally connected with the housing. The pivotal member comprises a pivot arm and a loading part. The pivot arm has two ends. One of the ends is pivotally connected with the housing at a position between the first aperture and the second aperture. The loading part is connected with the other one of the ends of the pivot aim. The loading part comprises a side surface facing the housing, a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a pushing portion positioned on the side surface. The distance between the first mounting portion and the first aperture is shorter than the distance between the second mounting portion and the first aperture. The pushing portion is positioned between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The space is surrounded by the pivot arm, the loading part, and the housing. The float member is pivotally connected with the second mounting portion, is positioned in the space, and selectively abuts the pushing portion. The direction in which the float member pivots about the pivotal member and the direction in which the pivotal member pivots about the housing are reverse to each other. The closure member is mounted on the first mounting portion and selectively covers the first aperture.

Accordingly, the splash guard has the benefits as follows:

First, the float member being light-weighted and small provides a torque capable of preventing the inadvertent closing-up action of the closure member caused by the inhalation or the head shaking of the snorkeler. As such, the splash guard is convenient in use and storage.

Second, even the splash guard is submerged below the water surface with the first aperture positioned below the second aperture, the splash guard is capable of preventing water from entering the snorkel tube via the first aperture, thereby keeping the snorkeler safe and comfortable.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the splash guard comprises a float limit positioned between the float member and the second mounting portion. The float member is pivotally connected with the second mounting portion via a pivot axle.

By the float limit, the pivoting of the float member about the second mounting portion is limited to ensure the float member remains in the space.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the float limit is mounted on the pivot axle and selectively abuts the second mounting portion.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the float limit is mounted on the second mounting portion. The space is surrounded by the pivot arm, the loading part, the housing, and the float limit. The float member selectively abuts the float limit.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the closure member comprises a cover and a mounting block. The cover selectively closes the first aperture. The mounting block is mounted on the cover and is mounted through the first mounting portion.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting portion comprises a through hole and an edge surrounding the through hole. The mounting block comprises a neck engaged with the edge.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture. The pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit. The pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.

Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a splash guard in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a first operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under a first operation condition;

FIG. 6 is a second operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the first operation condition;

FIG. 7 is a third operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the first operation condition;

FIG. 8 is a fourth operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the first operation condition;

FIG. 9 is a fifth operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the first operation condition;

FIG. 10 is a sixth operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the first operation condition;

FIG. 11 is a first operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under a second operation condition;

FIG. 12 is a second operational schematic view of the splash guard shown in FIG. 1 under the second operation condition;

FIG. 13 is a first operational schematic view of a conventional splash guard in accordance with the prior art under a first operation condition;

FIG. 14 is a second operational schematic view of a conventional splash guard in accordance with the prior art under the first operation condition; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a conventional splash guard in accordance with the prior art under a second operation condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a splash guard of the present invention comprises a housing 10, a pivotal member 20, a space 30, a float member 40, and a closure member 50.

The housing 10 is tubular in shape. The housing 10 comprises a side wall 11, a first aperture 12, a second aperture 13, and a pivot limit 14. The first aperture 12 and the second aperture 13 are formed at two terminals of the side wall 11. The pivot limit 14 is disposed on and protrudes from the side wall 11, and is positioned between the first aperture 12 and the second aperture 13.

The pivotal member 20 is pivotally mounted on the housing 10. The pivotal member 20 comprises two pivot arms 21 and a loading part 22. Each of the pivot arms 21 comprises a first end 211 pivotally connected with the side wall 11 and a second end 212 opposite the first end 211. The first end 211 of one of the pivot arms 21 is pivotally connected with the side wall 11 at a position between the first aperture 12 and the pivot limit 14, and selectively abuts against the pivot limit 14. The loading part 22 is connected between the second ends 212 of the two pivot arms 21. The loading part 22 comprises a side surface 220 facing the housing 10, a first mounting portion 221, a second mounting portion 222, and a pushing portion 223 positioned between the first mounting portion 221 and the second mounting portion 222. The distance between the first mounting portion 221 and the first aperture 12 is shorter than the distance between the second mounting portion 222 and the first aperture 12. The pushing portion 223 is disposed on and protrudes from the side surface 220 and is positioned between the two pivot arms 21. In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the first mounting portion 221 comprises a through hole and an edge 2211 surrounding the through hole, and the pushing portion 223 transversely protrudes from the side surface 220.

The space 30 is surrounded by the pivot arms 21, the loading part 22, and the side wall 11.

The float member 40 is pivotally connected with the second mounting portion 222, is positioned in the space 30, and selectivity abuts the pushing portion 223. The float member 40 has a specific gravity less than 1. The direction in which the float member 40 pivots about the pivotal member 20 and the direction in which the pivotal member 20 pivots about the housing 10 are reverse to each other. In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the float member 40 is hollow. The float member 40 is pivotally connected with the second mounting portion 222 via a pivot axle 60. The pivot axle 60 is embedded on the float member 40. A float limit 70 is positioned between the float member 40 and the second mounting portion 222. The float limit 70 is disposed on and protrudes from the pivot axle 60 and selectively abuts the second mounting portion 222. As such, the pivoting angle of the float member 40 about the second mounting portion 222 is limited, thereby ensuring the float member 40 remains in the space 30. In an embodiment, the float limit 70 protrudes from the second mounting portion 222 downwardly. The space 30 is surrounded by the pivot arm 21, the loading part 22, the side wall 11, and the float limit 70. The float member 40 selectively abuts the float limit 70.

The closure member 50 is mounted on the first mounting portion 221 and selectively covers the first aperture 12. In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the closure member 50 is made of a soft material. The closure member 50 comprises a cover 51 and a mounting block 52. A side face 510 of the closure member 50 selectively covers the first aperture 12. The mounting block 52 protrudes from another side face 511 of the closure member 50. The mounting block 52 comprises a peripheral surface and a neck 521 formed concavely on the peripheral surface. To mount the cover 51 on the first mounting portion 221, the neck 521 is engaged with the edge 2211 of the first mounting portion 221 after the mounting block 52 is mounted through the through hole.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 5 to 10, the splash guard is used under a first operation condition after combined with a snorkel tube 80. Under the first operation condition, the splash guard is submerged below the water surface W with the first aperture 12 positioned above the second aperture 13.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the beginning of snorkeling, the float limit 70 abuts the second mounting portion 222. The float member 40 is positioned in the space 30. The pivotal member 20 abuts against the pivot limit 14. The float member 40, the pivotal member 20 and the closure member 50 are positioned above the water surface W.

When the float member 40 is partially sunk in the water, the float member pivots upon the pivot axle 60 to pivot counterclockwise about the pivotal member 20 under the driving of a buoyant force; then, as shown in FIG. 6, the float member 40 abuts the pushing portion 223.

When the float member 40 is further sunk in the water, the float member 40 is driven by a larger buoyant force to push the pushing portion 223. As shown in FIG. 7, under the pushing of the float member 40, the pivotal member 20 is able to pivot clockwise about the housing 10 and separate from the pivot limit 14; meanwhile, the closure member 50 is moved toward the first aperture 12.

When the float member 40 is completely submerged in the water, the float member 40 is driven by a greater buoyant force, and the pivotal member 20 is forced to further pivot clockwise about the housing 10; then, as shown in FIG. 8, the closure member 50 covers the first aperture 12 and water is blocked from entering the snorkel tube 80. As such, the choking of a snorkeler is prevented.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the splash guard is moved from the position beneath the water surface W to the position above the water surface W, the float member 40 pivots counterclockwise about the pivotal member 20 under the driving of gravity and is separated from the pushing portion 223.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pivotal member 20 is forced to further pivot counterclockwise about the housing 10 under the driving of gravity, and the closure member 50 uncovers the first aperture 12. Eventually, the pivotal member 20, the float member 40, and the closure member 50 are moved back to the positions shown in FIG. 5.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, under the first operation condition, a first angle α is formed between the side wall 11 and the water surface W. As the first angle α is above the water surface W, the first angle α is also called a positive angle; therefore, the first operation condition is also called a positive-angled operation condition. In an embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, the first angle α is, but not limit to, 90°. In another embodiment, the first angle is form 0° to 90°.

With reference to FIGS. 5 to 10, to pivot the pivotal member 20 about the housing 10 and allow the closure member 50 to selectively close the first aperture 12, a torque coming from gravity and buoyant force of the float member 40 is applied. The torque has a fulcrum at the first ends 211 of the two pivot arms 21 and a lever arm equal to the length of each of the pivot arms 21. In addition, to have the space 30 contain the float member 40, the length of each of the pivot arms 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the float member 40. As the length of each of the pivot aims 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the float member 40, the float member being light-weighted and small may be applied to the splash guard to provide a torque able to prevent the inadvertent closing-up action of the closure member 50 caused by the inhalation or the head shaking of the snorkeler, and thereby the splash guard is convenience in use and storage.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 11, and 12, the splash guard is used under a second operation condition. Under the second operation condition, the splash guard is submerged below the water surface W with the first aperture 12 positioned below the second aperture 13.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the splash guard is submerged below the water surface W, the float member 40 pivots counterclockwise about the pivotal member 20 under the driving of a buoyant force and abuts the pushing portion 223. As the float member 40 abuts the pushing portion 223, a torque having a fulcrum at the first ends 211 of the two pivot arms 21 is formed. The closure member 50, which is mounted on the loading part 22, is driven by the torque to pivot about the side wall 11 and close the first aperture 12.

Therefore, under the second operation condition, the splash guard is able to prevent the water from entering the snorkel tube via the first aperture 12 and provide safety and comfort to the snorkeler.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, under the second operation condition, a second angle β is formed between the side wall 11 and the water surface W. As the second angle β is below the water surface W, the second angle β is also called a negative angle; therefore, the second operation condition is also called a negative-angled operation condition.

Based on the above, the splash guard is convenient in use and storage. In addition, the splash guard is able to prevent the water from entering the snorkel tube and provide safety and comfort to the snorkeler not only under the positive-angled operation condition, but also the negative-angled operation condition. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A splash guard comprising: a housing comprising a first aperture and a second aperture opposite the first aperture; a pivotal member pivotally connected with the housing and comprising: a pivot arm having two ends, one of the ends pivotally connected with the housing at a position between the first aperture and the second aperture; and a loading part connected with the other one of the ends of the pivot aim and comprising: a side surface facing the housing; a first mounting portion; a second mounting portion, wherein a distance between the second mounting portion and the first aperture is longer than a distance between the first mounting portion and the first aperture; and a pushing portion positioned on the side surface and between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion; a space surrounded by the pivot arm, the loading part, and the housing; a float member pivotally connected with the second mounting portion, positioned in the space, and selectively abutting the pushing portion, wherein a direction in which the float member pivots about the pivotal member and a direction in which the pivotal member pivots about the housing are reverse to each other; and a closure member mounted on the first mounting portion and selectively covering the first aperture.
 2. The splash guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splash guard comprises a float limit positioned between the float member and the second mounting portion, and the float member is pivotally connected with the second mounting portion via a pivot axle.
 3. The splash guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the float limit is mounted on the pivot axle and selectively abuts the second mounting portion.
 4. The splash guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure member comprises: a cover selectively closing the first aperture; and a mounting block mounted through the first mounting portion.
 5. The splash guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closure member comprises: a cover selectively closing the first aperture; and a mounting block mounted through the first mounting portion.
 6. The splash guard as claimed in claim 3, wherein the closure member comprises: a cover selectively closing the first aperture; and a mounting block mounted through the first mounting portion.
 7. The splash guard as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first mounting portion comprises a through hole and an edge surrounding the through hole; and the mounting block comprises a neck engaged with the edge.
 8. The splash guard as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first mounting portion comprises a through hole and an edge surrounding the through hole; and the mounting block comprises a neck engaged with the edge.
 9. The splash guard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first mounting portion comprises a through hole and an edge surrounding the through hole; and the mounting block comprises a neck engaged with the edge.
 10. The splash guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 11. The splash guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 12. The splash guard as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 13. The splash guard as claimed in claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 14. The splash guard as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 15. The splash guard as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 16. The splash guard as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 17. The splash guard as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit.
 18. The splash guard as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a pivot limit positioned between the first aperture and the second aperture; the pivot arm is pivotally connected with the housing between the first aperture and the pivot limit; and the pivot arm selectively abuts against the pivot limit. 